Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Bachelor of Science

Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry students in a lab
Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry students in a lab
Type of Programme
Full-time
Number of Places
20
Duration
3 Years
Course Code
MT 774
Entry Requirements
341 Points in 2023 and meet minimum entry requirements as listed below.
Application Deadline
See CAO for details
Location(s)
MTU Bishopstown Campus, Cork
Course NFQ Level
Level 7

Dr Lee (William) Doherty

T: +353 (0)21 433 5865

Email: (email)

Overview

Analytical chemistry deals with the great variety of methods used to identify and quantify the chemical components of materials, while pharmaceutical chemistry focuses on aspects of drug design, synthesis, and manufacture.

Courses in chemistry at MTU have provided many of the highly skilled personnel at various levels required by the industry. School leavers are offered a flexible and attractive route through an extremely diverse science. The BSc in Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry prepares students for laboratory-based careers; activities include preparation of chemicals and samples for use, analysis of raw materials and products of chemical processes, set-up/maintenance/use of chemical instrumentation. Computerised instruments and information technology are important in this work, and graduates may work in quality assurance, analysis, research, development, and production in a wide range of industrial sectors such as biopharmaceuticals, food and beverage, environmental analysis, etc.

The course aims to give students the knowledge and skills to practice chemistry in the laboratory environment.

What will I study?

First year at a glance

  • Chemical Principles: study of general chemical Interactions
  • Physics: study of fundamental basis of energy, light and heat
  • Laboratory Skills: understanding the basis for good laboratory practice in a chemistry laboratory
  • Biology: study of fundamental building blocks of life
  • Mathematics: students use maths to problem solve
  • Creativity, Innovation and Teamwork: Team building, independent working and communication skills development

Modules

What is a Module?

A module is a standalone unit of learning and assessment and is completed within one semester. A full-time student will normally study six modules in each semester; part-time and ACCS (Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects) students will have flexibility as to the number of modules taken.

The button below provides a link to all of the University's approved modules for this programme.

View Modules

Entry Requirements

Entry 2024

For admission to a programme, standard applicants must

  • score the necessary CAO points and
  • meet the minimum entry requirements

Leaving Certificate in five subjects i.e. O6/H7 in five subjects. The five subjects must include Mathematics and either English or Irish grade O6/H7.

 

For Non-EU International Entry Requirements please visit https://www.mtu.ie/international/non-eu/.

Career options

Employment Opportunities

Career opportunities exist not only in the BioPharmaChem industry, but also in such diverse areas as environmental analysis, elemental analysis (metallurgy), and food/ beverage processing, forensic analysis, contaminant analysis (e.g. in sports), etc. Graduates have become senior technicians, analysts, laboratory managers, and quality control supervisors. Some have progressed into company management positions over the years, and some have started and managed their own companies.

  • Chemical laboratory technician
  • Laboratory quality assurance
  • Product development
  • Pharmaceutical production

Progression

Further Studies

Graduates who have attained a minimum final average mark of 50% may proceed to year 4 (final year) of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Analytical Chemistry with Quality Assurance (ACQUA).  This in turn may lead to the option to proceed to postgraduate studies (MSc or PhD) in Chemistry at MTU or other universities in Ireland or abroad.

After obtaining the BSc (Honours) in Analytical Chemistry with Quality Assurance, graduates may apply for a 2 year, full time, Professional Master of Education (120 ECTS credits). On completion, graduates are eligible for registration with the Teaching Council.

Question Time

No – the fundamentals of biology, chemistry, and physics are delivered during the first semester, with chemistry being further developed as the course progresses.

Students commencing on the MT 774 route will have completed the ordinary BSc Degree in 3 years, while those starting on MT 874 will take 4 years to complete the Honours BSc Degree, with significant additional material being delivered in the fourth year to achieve the higher level award.

Numeracy, accuracy, precision; good practical and manipulative skills; an analytical approach to problem solving, i.e. the ability to relate a numerical answer to the physical reality that it represents.

Yes. Students who successfully complete year 2 of this programme and do not wish to progress to Year 3 will receive the Higher Certificate in Science in Chemistry.

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